After a rebellion sparked by the actions of a mad ruler of Westeros, Robert of House Baratheon sits on the Iron Throne, becoming the new ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Years later, Jon Arryn, Hand of the King, dies, and Robert sets out on a quest to enlist the support of his childhood friend, Eddard Stark, Guardian of the North. The ambitious and noble head of House Stark is tasked with leaving his native home and becoming the new Hand of the King. Secretly warned that Arryn has actually been murdered and Robert may be the next victim, Eddard tries to remedy the situation, but political intrigue, conspiracies, assassinations, and the escalating struggle for the Iron Throne lead to widespread turmoil in Westeros….